Vegas Water Agency Empowered to Limit Home Water Flows in Future
U.S. News & World Report LAS VEGAS (AP) Nevada has taken a dramatic, but not immediate, step toward limiting the amount of Colorado River water used in the most populous part of the nations most arid state, after lawmakers gave Las Vegas-area water managers the levers to limit flows to single-family homes.
Gov. Joe Lombardo signed a law passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature to let the Southern Nevada Water Authority restrict the amount of water provided to homes if the federal government further dials back Nevadas share of water drawn from the river.
This legislation builds on our efforts to protect sustainable growth on the county and state levels, the Republican governor said in a Tuesday signing statement that cited goals of balancing economic expansion with ensuring clean and stable water into the future.
In the Las Vegas area, ornamental lawns are already banned, swimming pool sizes are limited, almost all water inside homes is recycled, water cops patrol for leaks and fountains on the Las Vegas Strip use reclaimed water. Water agencies in Southern California, Phoenix and Salt Lake City joined last year in widening calls to rip out thirsty turf.
